Mike Tyson tattoo artist files against `Hangover 2` release

Los Angeles: The man behind the distinctive facial tattoo of Mike Tyson is not happy to see a similar design on Stu Price in the `Hangover II` after his drunken night adventure.

Warner Bros is facing a lawsuit for copyright infringement by S Victor Whitmill, who tattooed the boxing champion.

Whitmill says the body art on Tyson`s face is "one of the most distinctive tattoos in the nation". He is asking for an injunction to stop the release of the highly-anticipated comedy sequel, the Hollywood Reporter said. "When Mr Whitmill created the Original Tattoo, Mr Tyson agreed that Mr Whitmill would own the artwork and thus, the copyright in the Original Tattoo," says the complaint, filed Thursday in federal court in Missouri.

"Warner Bros Entertainment, Inc. without attempting to contact Mr Whitmill, obtain his permission, or credit his creation has copied Mr Whitmill`s Original Tattoo and placed it on the face of another actor... This unauthorized exploitation of the Original Tattoo constitutes copyright infringement," the complaint states.

Whitmill has also attached his copyright registration for the `Original Tattoo` as well as Tyson`s signed release granting rights in the work.

The studio may land in soup ahead of the film`s release because of the design on Ed Helms` character, which is a direct reference to Tyson, who played an extended cameo in the first movie.